Hitch is a 2005 romantic comedy film directed by Andy Tennant and starring Will Smith. The film, which was written by Kevin Bisch, co-stars Eva Mendes, Kevin James, and Amber Valletta. Smith plays a professional matchmaker, who makes a living teaching men how to woo women. It was released on February 11, 2005 by Columbia Pictures.

This is one of the best, if not the best, romantic comedies I've ever seen. Will Smith and Eva Mendes light up the screen with their chemistry. The movie instantly brings a smile to your face, whether it's Will Smith's charisma, Eva Mendes's beauty, or the hilarious Kevin James, who brings you to tears with some of his actions in Hitch. It's definently the perfect movie for Valentine's Day. I had high hopes, and as I walked out of the theater, I felt I got more than I could have asked for. Hilarious movie.

A-

Only an A- and it might be the best romantic comedy you've ever seen? [-X :razz:

I was thinking about that too. On the one hand, I'm trying to be more strict with my grading, but it was soo good.

There is no genre of movies I am more skeptical about going to see than a romantic comedy, with the debatable exception of a horror movie. For every good rom-com there are innumerable pitiful ones, leading me to constantly expect the worst, and in that sense I liken the romantic comedy to a blind date. Regardless of all the good things you hear, skepticism always wins out. You find yourself with hopes down, guard up, wishing to the stars that it won't be the ugly sister in-law answering the door. You find yourself praying for something average, maybe a new friend ... no embaresment and even remotely entertaining will do at this point. That is the exact place that I find myself while settling into my seat in the sparsely populated theater.

Similar to a blind date, it takes something special to make one disarm, to allow you to come out of that shell and enjoy the hours to come. Almost as soon as the lights dim, Hitch is pounding away at your defenses with its true to life social commentary on the issues between men and women. While funny, it is also remarkably true to the standards of single life, drawing you right into the movie, the characters, and allowing you to unknowingly let your guard down.

Throughout the movie you follow Hitch (Will Smith) a date doctor with all the answers, that is until he meets gossip columnist Sara (Eva Mendes) while he tries to help a new client find love. Will Smith has always been a favorite of mine, and I have to say, this is HIS movie. It is so hard to fathom that not long ago this man was "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and now can put together performances like this. Eva Mendes is terrific as Sara, with any actor other than Smith her performance would have simply overpowered the movie (think Diane Keaton in Something's Gotta Give), but Smith simply amazes right along with her. The chemistry between Smith and Mendes was electric, and Kevin James provides the comedic spark that gives Hitch its flow.

In Hitch there seems to be this perfect balance between the romantic and dramatic sequences that is almost uncanny. It all managed to flow so well together, something that wouldn't have been possible without the character of Albert. Will Smith does a great job balancing the two sided elements of his character, but he is largely aided by the comedic relief that Albert (Kevin James) provides. Albert is the one making us laugh with all the quirky, off beat actions that free up Will Smith to be his charismatic self, and while it keeps us from becoming to emotionally attached with Albert, it manages to let Smith slip right in the back door. Hitch just meshes very well together managing never to take itself to seriously, yet never entering that goofy realm where rom-coms go to die.

I also found myself simply stunned by the chemistry between the amazingly gorgeous Eva Mendes and the always charming Will Smith. Eva is simply one of the most stunning, and apparently one of the most talented, actresses in Hollywood today. These two onscreen together simply commanded attention, they allow you to care for their characters while at the same time being down to earth enough to keep the emotions in play realistic enough to make a romantic comedy ... romantic. It was refreshing, it was remarkable, and it was most of all enjoyable.

The movie excels in so many things, is highlighted by great performances, and has a story line that for once isn't a mindless retread. It is both playful and exciting and I enjoyed it throughly. Love isn't ever going to be perfect, and noone will ever have all the answers, not even Hitch, but I do know that at the end of this blind date I most certainly went that last 10 percent.

Grade: A-